Peace Ark's first visit to Dominican Republic

PORT of SANTO DOMINGO, Nov. 2 (ChinaMil) -- The Chinese naval hospital ship Peace Ark (Hull 866), currently on its “Harmonious Mission 2018”, arrived at the Port of Santo Domingo of the Dominican Republic on November 1 for an eight-day friendly visit.

The Dominican Republic is located in the Caribbean Sea and it officially established diplomatic relations with China on May 1 this year. This is the first time that a Chinese naval ship has visited the Dominican Republic after the diplomatic relations were established.

The Dominican Republic side held a warm welcome ceremony for the Chinese naval hospital ship Peace Ark at the Port of Santo Domingo.

Military and political leaders of the Dominican Republic, Chargé d'affaires ad interim of the Chinese Embassy in the Dominican Republic Zhang Buxin, the Chinese Embassy staff, local overseas Chinese and representatives of Chinese-funded institutions welcomed the Chinese naval hospital ship at the port.

After the ceremony, Dominican military and political leaders and local overseas Chinese boarded the ship for a visit.

The Peace Ark started medical services on the same afternoon.

The Dominican Republic is the 41st country visited by the Peace Ark since it was commissioned to the PLA Navy. It is also the ninth stop of the “Harmonious Mission 2018.”

During the visit, the mission commander will pay visits to the Dominican military and various government leaders, and the Peace Ark will carry out a series of activities such as joint medical treatment, cultural exchange, and equipment maintenance.